Georgia Airport Atlanta: Your Guide to Hartsfield–Jackson and Other Atlanta Air Travel Options
When people search for “Georgia Airport Atlanta,” they’re almost always looking for information about Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)—Atlanta’s major airport and one of the busiest in the world. But if you live in the metro area or you’re planning a visit, it also helps to understand other nearby airports, how to get to and from them, and what to expect once you land.
This guide focuses on how air travel works in and around Atlanta, Georgia, with practical tips for residents, visitors, and anyone flying in or out of the city.
The Main Georgia Airport in Atlanta: Hartsfield–Jackson (ATL)
Official name: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Airport code: ATL
Location: About 10 miles south of Downtown Atlanta
Street address: 6000 North Terminal Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30320
General info phone (ATL Airport): 1‑800‑897‑1910 (commonly listed public info line)
ATL is the primary Georgia airport serving Atlanta and the entire metro area. It’s the hub most people use for:
- Domestic flights across the U.S.
- International flights to Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, and more
- Connections between other U.S. and global cities
If you’re flying to or from Atlanta, there’s a strong chance you’ll pass through ATL.
Terminals at Atlanta’s Main Airport
ATL is large, but its layout is fairly straightforward once you understand the basics.
North & South Terminals (Main Terminal Complex)
The Domestic Terminal is split into:
- North Terminal – Primarily used by certain airlines (such as Delta’s check-in for select services and other domestic carriers).
- South Terminal – Heavily used for Delta Air Lines domestic check-in and baggage services.
Both terminals connect to the Concourse T and to the rest of the concourses through the Plane Train, an underground people-mover.
International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal)
Address: 2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30354
The International Terminal is separate from the Domestic Terminal and is connected to Concourse F (and close to Concourse E). If you’re:
- Starting your international trip in Atlanta
- Arriving on an international flight and Atlanta is your final stop
…you may use this side of the airport. Always double-check your ticket and airline to see which terminal your flight uses.
Atlanta Airport Concourses: How the Gates Are Organized
After check-in and security, ATL is organized into a series of parallel concourses:
- Concourse T – Closest to the Domestic Terminal
- Concourses A, B, C, D – Primarily domestic routes
- Concourses E & F – International and some domestic routes
You move between concourses using:
- The Plane Train (fastest option, underground)
- The walkable corridors between concourses (good if you prefer to walk or the train is crowded)
Tip: Your boarding pass will list your concourse and gate (for example, B12). Screens throughout the airport also show gate information and any changes.
Getting to and from Atlanta Airport (ATL)
If you’re based in Atlanta or visiting, you have several ways to reach the airport.
1. MARTA (Public Transit)
MARTA’s Airport Station is directly connected to the Domestic Terminal, at the western end of the airport. This is one of the easiest options if you’re staying in:
- Downtown Atlanta
- Midtown
- Buckhead
- Near a MARTA rail line
You can:
- Ride the Red or Gold line to the Airport Station
- Walk directly from the station into the Domestic Terminal
- Use the airport shuttle/Plane Train to get to your concourse
Travelers using the International Terminal can take a free shuttle bus between the International Terminal and the Domestic MARTA station.
2. Driving and Parking
ATL has multiple parking options:
- Hourly & Daily Garages – Closest to terminals; better for short stays and pickups.
- Economy Parking – A bit farther but lower daily rates.
- Park-Ride Lots – Surface lots with shuttle service to terminals.
If you’re a local:
- Consider off-airport parking lots with shuttle service if you’re looking to save money on longer trips.
- Allow extra time during peak travel periods (holidays, early mornings, and late afternoons).
3. Rideshare, Taxis, and Shuttles
Rideshares (e.g., app-based car services) and taxis have designated pickup zones:
- At the Domestic Terminal, follow signs to the Ground Transportation area and then to the rideshare zone.
- At the International Terminal, there are marked pickup areas outside arrivals.
Airport-area hotel shuttles also operate from clearly signed shuttle zones at both terminals.
Inside Atlanta Airport: What to Expect
Security Checkpoints
Security is handled by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), with:
- Separate checkpoints for Domestic and International terminals
- PreCheck, CLEAR, and regular lines (availability varies by time of day)
Allow:
- At least 2 hours before departure for domestic flights
- At least 3 hours before departure for international flights
These are common guidelines many travelers use for ATL due to its size and passenger volume.
Food, Shops, and Services
Each concourse offers:
- Restaurants and quick-service food (from national chains to local Atlanta-style eateries)
- Grab-and-go options if you’re tight on time
- Shops, including bookstores, convenience shops, and travel essentials
- Charging stations and seating areas
- Nursing rooms, accessible restrooms, and assistance points
If you have a long layover, you can often find:
- Lounges (airline-specific and independent)
- Children’s play areas in certain concourses
- Art installations and exhibits around the airport
Baggage Claim
- Domestic baggage claim is in the Domestic Terminal (North and South sides).
- International baggage claim and customs are in the International Terminal, especially for flights where Atlanta is the final destination.
If you’re connecting to another flight, check your bag tag or ask your airline if you need to collect and re-check your luggage.
Major Airlines and Typical Use of ATL
While airlines can change their routes and gates, travelers often see:
- Delta Air Lines using ATL as a major hub for both domestic and international flights.
- Other large U.S. carriers and low-cost airlines offering a wide selection of routes in and out of ATL.
For Atlanta residents, this means:
- Many nonstop options from ATL to other U.S. cities
- Competitive pricing on some routes due to the high volume of flights
- Frequent connection opportunities if your destination doesn’t have a nonstop option
Other Georgia Airports Near Atlanta
Though ATL is the primary Georgia airport serving Atlanta, there are other airports in the region that may be useful depending on your plans.
1. DeKalb–Peachtree Airport (PDK)
Location: Chamblee, just northeast of Atlanta
Address: 2000 Airport Rd, Atlanta, GA 30341
PDK is a general aviation airport, not a commercial airline hub. It’s commonly used for:
- Private flights
- Corporate aviation
- Flight training
- Charter operations
If you live in Atlanta and use private or charter flights, PDK may be more convenient than ATL, especially from Brookhaven, Chamblee, Buckhead, or North Atlanta.
2. Fulton County Airport – Brown Field (FTY)
Location: West of Downtown Atlanta
Address: 3952 Aviation Cir NW, Atlanta, GA 30336
Fulton County Airport is another general aviation facility, serving:
- Private aircraft
- Air charter services
- Some government and emergency operations
It’s closer to West Midtown, Downtown, and the western suburbs than ATL or PDK for private flights.
3. Cobb County International Airport – McCollum Field (RYY)
Location: Kennesaw (northwest of Atlanta)
Address: 1723 McCollum Pkwy NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144
RYY is outside the city but part of the Atlanta metro area. It’s also a general aviation airport serving private and corporate flights, especially for those based in Cobb County and the northwest metro.
Which Atlanta-Area Airport Should You Use?
For most people flying to or from Atlanta:
- Use Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) for commercial airline travel.
- Consider PDK, FTY, or RYY only if you’re arranging private or charter flights.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Airport | Code | Primary Use | Distance from Downtown Atlanta (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hartsfield–Jackson Intl Airport | ATL | Commercial airline hub | ~10 miles south |
| DeKalb–Peachtree Airport | PDK | Private/charter/general | ~11 miles northeast |
| Fulton County Airport | FTY | Private/charter/general | ~7–8 miles west |
| Cobb County Int’l – McCollum | RYY | Private/charter/general | ~25–30 miles northwest |
Tips for Atlanta Residents Using ATL Regularly
If you live in the Atlanta area and fly from Hartsfield–Jackson often, these habits can make travel smoother:
Plan your route:
- From Intown neighborhoods (Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park), MARTA is often the most predictable option.
- From suburbs, build in extra time for I‑75, I‑85, I‑285, and traffic delays.
Know your terminal:
- Check whether you’re leaving from the Domestic or International Terminal before you head out; this avoids last-minute confusion at drop-off.
Use check-in tools:
- Many passengers use online or app-based check-in to reduce time at the airport and head straight to security (if traveling with carry-on only).
Airport timing:
- For early morning flights (6–8 a.m.) and Sunday evenings, security and drop-off areas can be busier; give yourself extra time.
Practical Information and Contact Points
If you need specific or updated details about flights, parking, or services, you can use these commonly referenced resources:
- ATL Airport Information Line: 1‑800‑897‑1910
- General Mailing/Street Address (Domestic Terminal):
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
6000 North Terminal Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30320
For the International Terminal, remember its separate address:
- International Terminal Address:
2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd
Atlanta, GA 30354
Always verify flight details (times, gates, terminals) with your airline directly, as those can change on short notice.
In everyday Atlanta travel, when someone talks about the “Georgia airport in Atlanta,” they almost always mean Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Whether you’re a local heading out for a quick domestic trip or a visitor arriving from overseas, understanding ATL’s layout, transport connections, and nearby general aviation airports will help you move through the city’s air travel network with much more confidence.